Obesity and Overweight is KILLING you Richmond Heights

Semaglutide is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which means it mimics the action of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1 in the body. Tirzepatide mimics the GIP pathway in addition to the GLP-1 pathway.

These medications help regulate blood sugar levels. They also slow down the rate at which food moves through the stomach, which can reduce appetite and promote weight loss.

They are typically administered as a once-weekly injection. The appropriate dose will depend on the patient’s individual needs.

They are not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise, and should be used in conjunction with these lifestyle changes to achieve optimal results. As with any medication, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about the potential benefits and risks of these medications and whether they are the right choice for you.

These medications are used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Type 2 diabetes: They are used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. They may be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medications.

Obesity: They are used as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to help promote weight loss in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or in adults with a BMI of 27 or higher who have at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Semaglutide is not recommended for use in patients with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. It is also not recommended for use in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, as semaglutide may increase the risk of these conditions.

As with any medication, they should only be prescribed by a healthcare provider who has evaluated the patient’s medical history, current health status, and individual needs and goals. Patients should follow their healthcare provider’s instructions for use and attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and assess the need for continued treatment.

These medications can cause side effects in some patients. Some of the commonly reported side effects include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

These side effects are usually mild to moderate in intensity and tend to improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication. However, if these side effects persist or become severe, patients should contact their healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

In rare cases, they can cause more serious side effects such as:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Kidney problems
• Gallbladder problems
• Allergic reactions

Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, persistent nausea or vomiting, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Up to 20% with Semaglutide and up to 27% with Tirzepatid

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are currently approved by the FDA for long-term use in the treatment of obesity.

Patients who stop the medication gain back on average two thirds of the weight they had lost. It is recommended that patients remain on a maintenance dose to curb cravings and maintain the new weight.

If your prior authorization is declined, your insurance will not cover the cost of the prescribed medication. In this instance, you have the option to self-fund your medication via our partnered pharmacies.

If you wish to share lab results, images, or any other relevant documents with your physician, you need to log into your Charm Tracker portal. Once there, select ‘Documents’ from the options and upload your documents.

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